RUSU has considered the University’s response to our two open letters
which raised student concerns. The Full time officer team and Charlotte,
the Disabled Students Officer have worked together to respond to the
letter. We have come up with practical steps we recommend the University
should take, and that RUSU will take, to support students in order to
mitigate against the impact of COVID-19.
We are asking the University to consider the following suggestions and
respond to our requests:
-
CIP process
The University to review the accessibility of the CIP process. In its
current form there is a heavy emphasis on evidence which may mislead
students. Simplifying the information would make it more accessible and
less intimidating.
-
Safety net rationale
The University to explain the rationale behind the 40% safety net so
students are able to understand the decision. Schools to make students
aware of which modules are covered.
-
Resit plans
The University to finalise and share plans for resits as soon as
possible so students can make informed decisions about deferring their
exams.
-
Communication platforms
The University to share important information daily on their social
media channels, to increase engagement and accessibility. Create a link
from the University homepage, taking students straight to the
Coronavirus Essentials FAQ page.
-
Information sharing
The University to effectively share important information with all staff
and ask all academic tutors to individually reach out to students. The
University to review their email responses to students to ensure
messaging is relevant, personal and individualised where possible.
-
Finalist support
The University to write a letter that students can send to employers,
highlighting a need for understanding during the current situation and
how COVID-19 may have an impact on finalist results. This may help
reassure finalists who are concerned about their results.
-
PG students
The University to consider PG students separately to UG and to highlight
additional measures put in place to support them, particularly through
the Summer period.
-
Government support
University to sign RUSU's template letter to send to local MPs, urging
the Government to provide more support for students.
RUSU focussed practical measures that we will implement:
-
RUSU Advice Service
RUSU to communicate more widely how the Advice Service can support
students, including helping students to understand their rights and
ability to complain.
-
Understanding support
RUSU to help students understand the quickest pathway to finding help by
producing FAQs on the RUSU website so students can quickly find the help
they need.
We continue to welcome feedback from students that may add to these
practical measures, so please reach out through our main channels or to
the Disabled Students’ Officer if you have any further concerns.